Dressing to Look Thin

CEBU, Philippines - With the never-ending series of holiday parties these days, it all the more becomes a challenge to maintain a winning figure amid the rich dinners. But experts say it only takes little effort and an active imagination to still look great without having to deny oneself of the delicious treats of the season.

Unbelievable, but true! Wearing the right clothes and accessories can make you look ten pounds thinner.

Color yourself slim

.Use bright colors, not basic colors, as accents. Build your wardrobe around the "new neutrals"                 such as teal, burgundy, tobacco, navy and black.

. When choosing a bright article of clothing, select one in a cut and texture that elongates your shape - an oversized vest, a long slouchy sweater.

.Keep your silhouette long and lean by wearing                 separates in the same color family. Try solids or small prints. To make your legs appear sleek, harmonize your skirt, hose and shoe color.

Shape up your shape

.Starting at the top, place shoulder pads in all your jackets, sweaters, dresses, coats, etc. This little extra works miracles by making your       shoulders appear wider, your waist and hips smaller.

.Give your torso extra length by choosing jackets, cardigans and tunics that fall below the hips. Straight, unconstructed styles are more                 flattering than fitted; opt for single-breasted over double-breasted.

.Forget tent dresses and dirndl skirts; they only                 add pounds. Your best bets are shapes that skim your body but bypass trouble spots.

.In skirts, keep to the straight and narrow (no pockets) or A-lines. No matter what the current fashion is, below-the-knee length is always more flattering.

.Straining seams and buttons will make you appear overweight. A good fit is a must to look thin so always buy your correct size.

.Draw attention upward, with bold earrings, a pretty scarf, hair accessories. The idea is to place the focal point at the neck level or above. Try wearing long strands of pearls and/or a man's tie to create a lean, vertical line.

Select flattering fabrics

.Clingy fabrics may feel sexy but they may also play up any little bulges you have. Stick to fabrics that have more substance, such as wool jersey and gabardine.

.Nubby knits or fuzzy wools add bulk to your figure. Go for flat-textured fabrics (linen, cotten blends) instead.

Create slimming optical illusions

.Warning: Not all stripes are flattering. Too many vertical stripes actually make you appear wider. A small number of vertical or diagonal lines in a related color will pare you down.

.A longer neckline usually lengthens your upper torso. Try wearing V-necks or leaving the top few buttons of your blouse open.

.Think vertically. A single line of buttons down a                dress, braid trim or vertical ribbing on a knit dress will slim you down.

Trim down with trousers

If buying pants depresses you, you may not be choosing the right styles.

.Trousers that are straight, uncuffed and tapered are the most slimming.

.Avoid pleats on the side, patch pockets (on jeans) on the rear or extra "fussy" details.

.To conceal a tummy bulge, pants with pleats in front can be slimming, as can some yolked styles that form a "V".

.Slip on a pair of control-top pantyhose under pants for smooth silhouette.

Make accessories work for you

.Don't shy away from belts; play it loose. A double wrap belt or one that's cinched an inch or two below the waist will whittle both waist and tummy.

.Dark textured hose minimizes calves, knees and ankles.

.Steer clear of chunk-heeled shoes. A classic pump with a medium tapered heel will play up your legs to advantage.

.To camouflage heavy calves, stick to straight silhouette boots.

.Points of pizzazz: Go for bright gloves, interesting watches, bold jewelry and snazzy scarves.